Types of Card Machine for UK Businesses: Mobile, Portable, Countertop and Smart Terminals

LAST REVIEWED 2026-09-06

What are the 4 types of card machines for UK businesses?

The 4 types of card machines for UK businesses are mobile readers, portable terminals, countertop terminals, and smart Android terminals. A fifth option, software-only tap-to-pay, is also available. Each type serves different business needs, from street vendors to fixed retail shops.

Mobile readers are small devices that connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth. They are ideal for businesses on the move, such as market stalls or delivery services. Portable terminals are battery-powered and have a built-in printer, suitable for restaurants or pop-up shops. Countertop terminals are fixed units with a printer and often a keypad, designed for retail tills. Smart terminals run on Android and offer app-based features, like inventory management.

The table below shows typical costs and features for each type, based on provider pricing pages. For instance, mobile readers from SumUp and Zettle have no monthly fee and rates of 1.69% and 1.75% respectively. Countertop terminals may involve contracts, as seen with Barclaycard's 18-month term. Smart terminals often have higher upfront costs but can replace separate systems.

When choosing, consider your sales volume, mobility needs, and whether you require a printer. Each type has trade-offs in cost, connectivity, and functionality.

How do mobile card readers work and what do they cost?

Mobile card readers are compact devices that pair with a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. They accept chip and PIN, contactless, and mobile payments. The provider's app processes transactions, and funds are typically settled within days.

Costs vary by provider. SumUp charges a rate of 1.69% with no monthly fee and no contract. Zettle charges 1.75% with no monthly fee, and hardware from £29. Square also charges 1.75% with no monthly fee. These providers often offer free readers with promotional deals, but check the terms.

Connectivity relies on the phone's internet connection, either Wi-Fi or mobile data. This makes them highly portable, but they depend on a stable connection. Offline mode is not standard; some providers may queue transactions, but this is not guaranteed.

For a detailed comparison, see Mobile Card Readers for Small Businesses: Cost, Connectivity and Limits. This guide covers specific models and their limits.

What are portable terminals and who should use them?

Portable terminals are battery-powered devices with a built-in printer and keypad. They are designed for businesses that need to take payments away from a fixed till, such as restaurants taking payment at the table or market traders.

These terminals often have a higher upfront cost than mobile readers, but they include a printer for receipts. They connect via Wi-Fi or a SIM card, allowing use anywhere with network coverage. Battery life is a key factor; most last a full day of transactions.

Providers like takepayments and Barclaycard offer portable options. Barclaycard's pricing shows a monthly fee of £0 for 12 months, then £18 + VAT, with an 18-month contract. Hardware costs £29 + VAT one-off. This contrasts with mobile readers that have no contract.

Portable terminals suit businesses that need to print receipts and have higher transaction volumes. They are more robust than mobile readers but less flexible than countertop models.

What are countertop terminals and their typical costs?

Countertop terminals are fixed devices placed at a till point. They are connected to a phone line, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi, and often have a built-in printer. They are ideal for retail shops, cafes, and other businesses with a permanent checkout.

Costs for countertop terminals can include a higher upfront price and monthly fees. For example, Worldpay charges £20.00 per terminal monthly, with settlement in 24 hours. Barclaycard offers a countertop with a £29 + VAT one-off hardware cost and a monthly fee after 12 months. Contracts are common, with terms like 18 months.

These terminals are reliable and fast, but they are not portable. They may also require a dedicated phone line or stable internet connection. Some models accept both chip and PIN and contactless payments.

For a deeper look at countertop options, see Countertop, Portable and Smart Card Terminals: Which Fixed-Till Businesses Need. This article compares features and costs.

What are smart Android terminals and how do they differ?

Smart Android terminals are card machines that run on the Android operating system. They function like a tablet, allowing you to install apps for inventory, CRM, or analytics. They combine payment processing with business management tools.

These terminals often have a touchscreen, built-in printer, and support for various connectivity options. They are more expensive than basic countertop terminals but can replace separate devices. Providers like Dojo and Teya offer smart terminals, though their pricing is not published.

Smart terminals are suitable for businesses that want to streamline operations. For example, a cafe could use the same device to take orders and payments. However, they may require a learning curve and have higher upfront costs.

When comparing, consider the app ecosystem and whether the terminal supports your specific software. Some providers offer integrated solutions, but check compatibility.

What is tap to pay on phone and is it a card machine type?

Tap to pay on phone is a software-only solution that turns a smartphone into a payment terminal using NFC. It is not a physical card machine but is often considered a fifth option. It allows customers to tap their contactless card or mobile wallet on the phone.

This option is available from providers like SumUp and Zettle, often at no extra cost. The transaction rate is the same as their card readers, such as 1.69% or 1.75%. No additional hardware is needed, making it the lowest-cost entry point.

However, it relies on the phone's NFC capability and may have transaction limits. It is best for very low-volume sellers or as a backup. It does not provide a printed receipt, but digital receipts can be sent.

Tap to pay is not one of the 4 types, but it is a viable alternative for micro-businesses.

How does connectivity affect card machine performance?

Connectivity is crucial for card machines. Mobile readers use the phone's internet, either Wi-Fi or mobile data. Portable and countertop terminals may use Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or a SIM card. Smart terminals often have multiple options.

Offline mode is not standard across all devices. Some providers may allow transactions to be queued and processed later, but this is not guaranteed. The table below shows settlement times for various providers, which can range from next day to within minutes.

For example, Zettle settles within minutes to a PayPal Business account, while SumUp settles next day. Barclaycard settles next day, and Worldpay within 24 hours. These differences can affect cash flow.

When choosing a machine, consider your location's internet reliability. If you operate in areas with poor signal, a terminal with offline capability or a SIM card might be necessary.

How do you match a card machine type to your business?

Matching a card machine to your business depends on your sales environment, transaction volume, and mobility needs. The 4 types each have strengths: mobile for on-the-go, portable for flexibility with printing, countertop for fixed tills, and smart for integrated operations.

For a market stall or delivery service, a mobile reader is often sufficient. For a restaurant that takes payment at the table, a portable terminal is practical. For a retail shop, a countertop terminal is standard. For a business wanting to manage inventory and payments in one device, a smart terminal is suitable.

Consider the total cost of ownership, including transaction rates, monthly fees, and hardware costs. For example, SumUp charges 1.69% with no monthly fee, while Barclaycard has a monthly fee after 12 months. Contracts can lock you in for up to 18 months, as seen with Barclaycard and takepayments.

Review the table above to compare providers. Also, check if the provider offers a free trial or demo.

What are the regulatory rules for card machine contracts?

Card machine contracts are regulated by the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR). Since July 2023, providers must offer summary boxes, trigger messages, and online quotation tools. There is also an 18-month cap on new POS terminal lease contracts.

This means you cannot be locked into a lease longer than 18 months. Providers must also make pricing clear, so you can compare offers. The Interchange Fee Regulation caps interchange fees at 0.2% for consumer debit and 0.3% for consumer credit, which affects the rates you pay.

When signing a contract, check the length and any early termination fees. The PSR rules aim to make switching easier. If you have a dispute, the Financial Ombudsman Service can help, with an award limit of £455,000 for acts on or after 1 April 2019.

Always read the summary box and use the online quotation tools to compare.

How do card machine rates and fees compare across providers?

Card machine rates and fees vary significantly across providers. The table below shows published rates as of September 2026. SumUp charges 1.69% with no monthly fee, while Zettle and Square charge 1.75% with no monthly fee. Tide has a monthly fee of £2.99 + VAT but its rate is not published.

Barclaycard offers a £0 monthly fee for 12 months, then £18 + VAT, with an 18-month contract. Worldpay charges £20.00 per terminal monthly. takepayments requires a 12-month contract but its fees are not published.

These differences mean the cheapest option depends on your transaction volume. For low volume, a no-monthly-fee provider like SumUp or Zettle is cost-effective. For high volume, a lower rate might outweigh a monthly fee.

Always check the total cost, including hardware and settlement times. Some providers offer free hardware with certain plans.

Glossary: card payment terms explained

Mobile card reader: A small device that connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth to accept card payments. It is portable and often has no monthly fee.

Portable terminal: A battery-powered card machine with a built-in printer, used for taking payments away from a fixed till. It connects via Wi-Fi or SIM.

Countertop terminal: A fixed card machine placed at a till, connected to a phone line or internet. It typically has a printer and is used in retail.

Smart terminal: An Android-based card machine that runs apps for business management. It combines payment processing with other functions.

Tap to pay on phone: A software-only solution that uses a smartphone's NFC to accept contactless payments without a separate card reader.

Interchange Fee Regulation: EU regulation capping interchange fees at 0.2% for consumer debit and 0.3% for consumer credit, affecting card payment costs.

Checklist: what to check on a fee statement or contract

• Check if the provider charges a monthly fee, like Tide's £2.99 or Barclaycard's £18 after 12 months.
• Verify the transaction rate, such as 1.69% from SumUp or 1.75% from Zettle.
• Confirm the contract length; PSR caps new POS leases at 18 months.
• Ensure the machine supports the connectivity you need, like Wi-Fi, 4G, or Bluetooth.
• Ask about settlement times, as some providers pay next day, others within minutes.
• Review the hardware cost, e.g., Zettle from £29 or Barclaycard £29 one-off.

Each item above maps to a line that must appear in the PSR summary box or the contract schedule, so a missing entry is itself a question for the provider.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Wi-Fi for a card reader?

Not necessarily. Mobile readers use your phone's internet connection, which can be mobile data. Portable and countertop terminals may have built-in SIM cards or Ethernet options. However, a stable internet connection is essential for real-time authorisation. Some devices offer offline mode, but it is not universal. Check with your provider to see if offline transactions are supported and how they are settled.

Can a card machine work offline?

Some card machines can work offline by storing transactions and processing them later. However, this is not standard across all providers. Offline mode may involve higher risks, such as fraud, and not all providers offer it. If you operate in areas with poor connectivity, ask your provider about offline capabilities. Note that offline transactions may take longer to settle, affecting your cash flow.

What is a smart terminal?

A smart terminal is a card machine that runs on Android, allowing you to install apps for inventory, CRM, or other business functions. It combines payment processing with a touchscreen interface. Smart terminals are more versatile than traditional countertop machines but often cost more. They are suitable for businesses that want to streamline operations, such as cafes or retail shops that need to manage stock and sales.

Is a mobile reader enough for a shop?

A mobile reader can be sufficient for a shop with low transaction volumes, but it may lack features like a built-in printer or a fixed till interface. For a busy shop, a countertop terminal is often more reliable and faster. Mobile readers rely on a smartphone, which may not be ideal for high-volume use. Consider your sales volume and whether you need printed receipts. Some mobile readers can connect to a printer, but that adds cost.

Do card machines need a SIM?

Not all card machines need a SIM. Mobile readers use your phone's connection. Portable and countertop terminals may have Wi-Fi or Ethernet options. Some portable terminals come with a built-in SIM for 4G connectivity, which is useful for outdoor events or markets. If you choose a terminal with a SIM, check the data costs and coverage. Some providers include a SIM with the device, but others may charge extra.